Military Family PCS Guide: Fort Carson & Air Force Academy

If you’ve received PCS orders to Fort Carson, the Air Force Academy, Peterson Space Force Base, or Schriever Space Force Base, welcome to one of the most military-friendly cities in America. Colorado Springs is home to five major military installations and has a deep appreciation for service members and their families.

At iHaul iMove, we’ve helped hundreds of military families navigate PCS moves over our 17+ years in Colorado Springs. With 700+ 5-star reviews, we understand the unique timelines, logistics, and stresses that come with military relocations.

Understanding Your PCS Moving Options

When you receive PCS orders, you have several options for how your household goods (HHG) move is handled:

Government-Arranged Move (GBL)

The Transportation Management Office (TMO) at your installation arranges contracted movers at no cost to you. This is the most common option and is straightforward:

• TMO handles the contracting and scheduling
• You pack personal items and prepare your home
• The government-contracted moving company handles the rest
• Any damage claims go through the military claims process

Pros: No upfront costs, established claims process Cons: Less control over timing, variable quality of contractors, peak season delays

Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY)

With a PPM, you arrange and pay for your own move, then get reimbursed based on what the government would have paid. This option gives you more control:

• Choose your own moving company and schedule
• Potential to pocket the difference between actual costs and reimbursement
• More flexibility on timing and routing
• You handle claims directly with the moving company

Pros: More control, potential financial benefit, choose your movers Cons: Upfront costs, paperwork for reimbursement

Partial PPM

Many families use a hybrid approach: TMO handles the bulk of the HHG, and you do a partial PPM for items you want to move yourself — such as high-value items, electronics, or things you need immediately at your new home.

Housing Options Near Colorado Springs Installations

Near Fort Carson

Fort Carson is located on the south side of Colorado Springs. Popular housing areas include:

• On-post housing — Managed by Lendlease, available for eligible families
• Fountain — Affordable off-post housing minutes from the gates
• Security-Widefield — Close proximity with good schools
• Broadmoor area — Upscale living southwest of Carson
• Powers Corridor — Newer construction with easy I-25 access

Near the Air Force Academy

The United States Air Force Academy is on the north side of Colorado Springs:

• Monument — Small-town feel with excellent schools, 10 minutes from USAFA
• Gleneagle — Convenient to the North Gate
• Briargate — Family-friendly with top-rated District 20 schools
• Northgate — Newer development near the Academy

Near Peterson SFB and Schriever SFB

• Peterson SFB — Central Colorado Springs location; housing options citywide
• Schriever SFB — East of the city; Falcon and Peyton offer nearby housing
• Stetson Hills — Growing area with newer homes, reasonable commute to both bases

School Districts for Military Kids

Choosing the right school district is one of the most important decisions for military families. Here’s a quick overview:

Colorado has the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, which eases school transitions for military kids — including flexible enrollment, records transfer, and graduation requirement adjustments.

PCS Timeline: When to Do What

6-8 Weeks Before Your Report Date

• Contact TMO to arrange your HHG shipment
• If doing a PPM, start getting moving estimates (call 719-357-5865)
• Research housing options and neighborhoods
• Begin school registration process for children

4-6 Weeks Before

• Schedule movers (especially critical during PCS season: May-September)
• Arrange temporary lodging if needed (TLA/TLE entitlements)
• Begin decluttering and pre-packing non-essentials
• Update important documents (medical, dental, veterinary records)

2-4 Weeks Before

• Confirm all moving arrangements
• Pack personal items and “first night” essentials
• Schedule utility disconnects at your current home
• Set up utilities at your new Colorado Springs home

1 Week Before

• Final walkthrough of your current home
• Clean and prepare for inspection (on-post housing)
• Confirm travel arrangements
• Back up important digital files

BAH and Cost Considerations

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for the Colorado Springs area is based on local housing costs and varies by rank and dependency status. When budgeting for housing:

• On-post housing typically absorbs your full BAH
• Off-post rentals in areas like Fountain and the Powers Corridor often fall within BAH
• Purchasing a home may require some out-of-pocket expenses above BAH, depending on the neighborhood
• VA loans with zero down payment make homeownership accessible for many military families

Why Military Families Choose iHaul iMove

We’ve built our reputation serving the Colorado Springs military community:

• 17+ years of experience with military relocations
• 700+ 5-star reviews from families including hundreds of military moves
• Understanding of PCS timelines, BAH budgeting, and military-specific needs
• Experience with military relocations of all sizes
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate orders changes and report-date shifts
• Competitive rates for PPM/DITY moves

Get Your Military Moving Estimate

Whether you’re doing a PPM and need a full-service move, or you just need help with heavy items and specialty pieces, iHaul iMove is here to serve those who serve. Call 719-357-5865 or request your free estimate today.

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iHaul iMove proudly supports Colorado Springs military families. Learn more about our military relocation services or explore all service areas we cover throughout the Pikes Peak region.